NASS Election: Enugu Monarch Wants Contestants To Shun Violence

The traditional ruler of Unadu ancient kingdom in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area in Enugu State, Igwe Okechukwu Agbaji, has advised National Assembly candidates of various political parties in the state to shun electoral violence.

He urged them to learn from the peaceful approach to campaigns deployed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu North PDP senatorial candidate.

The monarch who made the appeal at his palace while briefing journalists on Tuesday said that politicians should learn to be peaceful and shun violence which could mar the forthcoming election in the state.

"I am calling on all Nigerians, Ndi-Enugu and especially my fellow Nsukka people to avoid violence in Saturday's election.

"I appeal for a peaceful election devoid of bloodshed. Let everyone vote  according to his conscience.

"We have enjoyed absolute peace in Enugu State courtesy of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

"Enugu State remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.

"You can sleep with your two eyes closed in this state.

"Ugwuanyi made this possible because he is a man of peace.

"He is a man who loves peace and does not cherish violence.

"As a traditional ruler working under him,  I have organised peace meetings with politicians irrespective of political party and made an appeal that they should tow the path of peace.

"I urged all the contestants to stop name-calling and the act of tarnishing images of others.

"Let us maintain the peaceful coexistence that Nsukka people are known for.

"There should be peace, unity and understanding. Elections should not be a do or die affair.

"You can't be seeking the mandate of the people and you are employing violence.

"Allow them to vote according to their conscience.

"The people of Enugu North senatorial zone should rally behind Ugwuanyi and vote for him.

"He has done well for us as a people. He has done more than all the past leaders of Nsukka.

"The evidence is there for all to see. 

"In terms of experience, he was at the Green Chambers for 12 years, so at the Senate, he will be one of the ranking Senators.

"We don't want a green horn; someone who does not understand the workings of the legislature."